Emotional Support Animals-NEW! you can say No ESAs allowed

Yep. The ADA would be like, ES…WTF?

2 Likes

Added, here’s the thing. It is absolutely not discriminatory because the dog is not a service dog and the ADA who not back her up. You are denying the dog, not her.

1 Like

Airbnb says she can’t deny either but they seem to be changing that. There are no laws that require her to accept the guest and the dog, it is only an Airbnb rule.

And, purely for reference, whether it be an ESA under the FHA or a Service Dog under the ADA (or FHA), the concept isn’t about accepting the dog or not but it is about whether or not you are making a reasonable accommodation for someone with a disability.

1 Like

@CMSTAS When is this stay scheduled to take place? And what kind of accommodation is it (1/1 entire place, etc,)?

CMSTAS’s guest is now invested in challenging the host, an indicator things will not turn out well. The guest could have spent a similar or lesser amount of time in finding a pet-friendly rental. As others have noted, there is contradictory information on the Airbnb policy pages.

I would first be careful to document that you are not discriminating on the Airbnb platform.

“Dear [Guest], I do not discriminate on the basis of disability or any other protected basis. Airbnb has recently issued a policy that states hosts may charge a fee for emotional support animals. See [link]. My fee is an extra cleaning fee, which is a reasonable accommodation to ensure continued business operations and that all guests, including those with allergies, have a pleasant stay.”

Then I would cancel and take the hit (blocked dates or whatever). I would communicate with Airbnb, quoting the the fee for ESA policy link, and ask for relief if they impose a host cancellation penalty.

Alternatively, if you want to risk taking on this guest, add something like:

“I suggest you may wish to cancel the reservation yourself for a refund, and find a pet-friendly alternative stay with a lower or no additional fee. If not, please be aware that the pet cannot be left alone in the rental unit, and must be under your control at all times on the property. Unattended animals are subject to removal by animal control officials for the animal’s well-being and for safety reasons.”

7 Likes

@dpfromva Yes, I feel like “guest” needs an “authoritative” and “absolute” message. Period. @JJD, @Annet3176 and you have provided some excellent wording throughout the thread.

If the various links, info, and wording y’all have provided don’t get “guest” to cancel, then I am with you. Cancel and take the hit. This is a setup for bad things. I can already see the review coming :roll_eyes:

Hopefully no plumbing, water, or HVAC issues arise that prevent the stay at the last minute. That would be a real shame if “guest” were left scrambling for a place to stay :thinking:

6 Likes

California has no such law. San Fransisco does, I do not host in SF

RR

2 Likes

March 11, entire home, 10 ladies

I am new on here and this forum only allowed so many comments before it put me on a 24 hour lock down to answer again!

Sooooo, 9 friends isn’t enough ES. We need a fur-baby, too? :roll_eyes:

Well, that sounds like a lucrative booking. With a group that size the warnings @JJD offered for you to share about the dog not being left alone are probably your best bet unless they don’t plan to leave at all (maybe a retreat).

Decide the position you want to take and communicate it clearly to the guest. If you decide to go through with reservation, I wonder if reaching out by phone in a peaceful but honest manner may help to get you & guest back to a better place so you aren’t resenting the stay or dreading the review?

I’m sorry for the drama. It’s been a good learning for me, so thank you for sharing the experience @CMSTAS. I truly hope it ends well for all.

2 Likes

Bachelorette weekend and I have strict rules about parties like this and she stated they are looking for a low-key bachelorette get away. I agreed because she said they are not partyers however now I am wondering if this is true.

It’s one of the settings to keep people from joining just to spam the forum. I’ve adjusted your level so you will have fewer limits.

3 Likes

We mostly cater to families.

Just found this.

There is no such thing as a certificate or a certification program that officially qualifies a dog as an emotional support animal under law. The only legitimate way to qualify your dog as an Emotional Support Animal is by obtaining a legitimate ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional.

1 Like

She has produced such a letter and sent it to ABB. You can request a copy from the guest to verify the authenticity (at least that it’s a real and licensed therapist). You’ll likely find it is, but maybe you’ll get lucky. They are very easily obtained, including online.

I would not share this finding w/ the guest. It only solidifies their position in the face of ABB wavering in it’s policy. Even her lies about getting it certified won’t make a difference in your favor if the letter is from a real, licensed therapist.

I think all the other advice still stands. I doubt you’re going to get any new direction. Maybe ABB legal will come to your rescue but since their ESA policy was “anything goes” when the reservation was made, I would be gladly surprised if they side with you :slightly_frowning_face:

1 Like

Sorry, can I ask again, in English this time, what’s an emotional support animal?

:rofl::rofl::rofl:

JF

1 Like

So envious of you right now, @JohnF !!! :unamused: :unamused:

1 Like

You are correct. If the guest provides a letter from a licensed professional, there is nothing you can do, and Airbnb will not support you

Yes, that’s been the gripe all along. That’s why when @Annet3176 posted the thread originally we were all :dancer:t4: :partying_face:

Keep hope alive. There are signs things are moving in a better direction for the future.

Sorry, but what is the LTR market? (It is probably going to be obvious once you tell me! :smile: )